Composure clinches it for Crusaders
Sat, 31 May 2008 13:14
Crusaders captain Richie McCaw says composure and defence were the two critical factors in his team's 20-12 win over the Waratahs in the Super 14 final in Christchurch on Saturday.
The Crusaders turned the screws in the second half to reverse an 11-12 halftime deficit and keep the Waratahs scoreless despite having lock Brad Thorn sin-binned for 10 minutes for foul play.
"We definteley thought we were on top," said McCaw. "We were playing a lot of the rugby and when you've got the ball and you're starting to breathe hard you hope that they are when they are making all those tackles.
"We knew that we had to keep our composure in the second half and the points would come. We kept our composure and we got what we needed," he said.
The Crusaders' skipper praised his team's defensive effort, especially the manner in which they lifted it whilst down to 14 men.
"That's something we always pride oursleves on. The hits that were going in tonight were absolutely oustanding
"When we were down to 14 we just strengthened our resolve even more. The way we defended and didn't give away any points was pretty awesome".
The victory was a fitting swansong for coach Robbie Deans, who leaves to take up his post with the Wallabies, as well as players Reuben Thorne and Caleb Ralph, who are taking up contracts overseas.
McCaw said it had been an emotional week but that the players had focussed on winning the title.
"You have got to try and keep it [emotion] out of it because emotion doesn't win rugby games. But you've got to bring the passion and you have to be in a clinical frame of mind".
McCaw paid tribute to Deans, saying: "What a man. It will be sad to see you go, mate but what a legacy you have left. All your values come out with the boys out on the field. Its just been a pleasure, I know I speak on behalf of all the Crusaders players. Thanks for everything and all the best for what you have coming up".
